Dear Readers,
I deeply apologize for my actions in my last post. I seem to be getting a little too indulged into the blogger experience and speaking exactly what comes to my mind. In most cases, swear words appear when I'm ranting about something, or talking much about anything for that matter. I am sorry if any of you were offended by anything that has been said, and I will limit my "funny-business" from little to nothing. If you have not already noticed, I changed the original post that brought much controversy among the class. I suppose a lesson was learned out of all of this, and it will never happen again... or at least in this class.
Thank you for your time and cooperation,
tayler
................................................
Alright, now on to the good stuff, or what is supposed to be the good stuff. That is to compare the governmental roles within the books that show a prominent distopic role in society.
- Rations are given in each society. Brave New citizens receive soma to forget the problems while on "vacation" and 1984 peeps get good ol', delicious chocolate rations, which alter each day.
- Censorship is visible in each society. BNW take out the delicious art and literature in the civilized communities, at least those that have not approved by the government. In 1984, literature, art, and history have all been altered to support the views of the party.
- Sex is ultimately controlled in each novel. Brave New citizens have casual sex because everyone belongs to everyone else. This does not allow serious relationships to develop, which helps to uphold the social stability. Citizens of Oceania are forbidden to have sex unless for the sole purpose of creating more party members, and relationships are only allowed to exist for that reason only. The government is trying to rid of all the enjoyment from the act of making love.
- Both governments fabricate the entire truth of the existence of citizens. BNW have laboratories and decantation stations to help create the perfect levels of social stability. In 1984, the history is altered each and every day in order to support the views of the party at that moment in time.
- False sense of happiness and reality is present. BNW citizens ignore the truth around them by doing what feels right at that moment in time. Those who are found to be different or unconditioned and think of independent theories are transfered to an island of others who feel the same way. In 1984, the government is constantly altering reality and what everyone thinks. If people do not fall in with everyone else, they are vaporized.
Hope you enjoyed my thoughts... which I find doubtful. Insights... words... thoughts... later...
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Brave New Final Prompt (BNW vs US)
Yeah, kids!... It's finally here! Not my batman cookie jar...(that came in last night). The final prompt for BNW, which is to analyze the book and find three or more similarities between it and the modern world we live in. I suppose I can deal with that... Let's take a look...
1 - Soma was a major part of the survival of those in BNW. Although they could have lived without it, they were able to be happier, at least in the state of mind. It was magnificent because these holidays did not cause any side effects, except it severely shortened the abusers life span. I wonder how long these people really would live if they never took soma... hmm... Anyways, Americans today also have many things that help distract them of the world around them, like any kind of illegal, legal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs and alcoholic beverages. These all help to relieve the user of pain or depression, and can help them to go on a beloved holiday. Of course, these do have side effects and decrease your life span. Check one...
2 - Sex is a major part of the BNW society, because they must be happy and "everyone belongs to everyone else." It also seems to play a major part of our society as well. For instance, magazines and paparazzi are always giving the latest celebrity sex scandals. Also, today's society has seen an increase of divorces and decrease in marriages. People just want to indulge themselves in the bed and move to a much more comfortable delight. It's sad, but ultimately true. Marriage within our Christian-influenced society isn't as big a deal as it used to and people seem to be moving more towards an "everyone belongs to everyone" status. Sadly, Check two...
3 - Speaking of a Christian-influenced society, we do not see much of a Christian society, anymore. Where'd everyone go and what are they doing on Sundays? There has been a severe decrease of in people attending church. Society seems to be turning away from God and more towards science (like in BNW) or no one and nothing, for that matter. Major celebrities speak out that they do not believe in God and have turned their cheek. Damn; Check three... Success!
What the hell is wrong with our society? We seem to be looking a little bit more like BNW's as each second passes. I do not believe there is anything wrong with our society, but I do know that change is happening. We as a people adapt to change, and this change is turning heads towards technological advancements. Sadly, there may not be a Mother Earth for our generations down the road. We have to get a grip with ourselves and create the best damn society... ahh I'm just rambling now...
Happy Earth Day!... Treat it like or better than your mother!... Peace
1 - Soma was a major part of the survival of those in BNW. Although they could have lived without it, they were able to be happier, at least in the state of mind. It was magnificent because these holidays did not cause any side effects, except it severely shortened the abusers life span. I wonder how long these people really would live if they never took soma... hmm... Anyways, Americans today also have many things that help distract them of the world around them, like any kind of illegal, legal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs and alcoholic beverages. These all help to relieve the user of pain or depression, and can help them to go on a beloved holiday. Of course, these do have side effects and decrease your life span. Check one...
2 - Sex is a major part of the BNW society, because they must be happy and "everyone belongs to everyone else." It also seems to play a major part of our society as well. For instance, magazines and paparazzi are always giving the latest celebrity sex scandals. Also, today's society has seen an increase of divorces and decrease in marriages. People just want to indulge themselves in the bed and move to a much more comfortable delight. It's sad, but ultimately true. Marriage within our Christian-influenced society isn't as big a deal as it used to and people seem to be moving more towards an "everyone belongs to everyone" status. Sadly, Check two...
3 - Speaking of a Christian-influenced society, we do not see much of a Christian society, anymore. Where'd everyone go and what are they doing on Sundays? There has been a severe decrease of in people attending church. Society seems to be turning away from God and more towards science (like in BNW) or no one and nothing, for that matter. Major celebrities speak out that they do not believe in God and have turned their cheek. Damn; Check three... Success!
What the hell is wrong with our society? We seem to be looking a little bit more like BNW's as each second passes. I do not believe there is anything wrong with our society, but I do know that change is happening. We as a people adapt to change, and this change is turning heads towards technological advancements. Sadly, there may not be a Mother Earth for our generations down the road. We have to get a grip with ourselves and create the best damn society... ahh I'm just rambling now...
Happy Earth Day!... Treat it like or better than your mother!... Peace
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Brave New Conditioning
Conditioning... sounds like these kids are getting all sweaty with the lifting of heavy weights, sprinting and whatnot... Oh!... not like that?... Right... I got whatcha need here... please, have a look...
Everyone seems to be disgusted with how the people of the BNW "civilized" society are conditioned. Really, the only reason for this is because we have also been 'conditioned,' for we have been taught a sense of morality and common sense by our parents/guardians and the rest of society. It's just that our common sense and whatnot is different than that of the "civilized" in BNW, but rather closer to those of the "savages." With this, we draw a much deeper connection with John rather than Lenina.
Lenina is a civilized Beta who was conditioned through hypnopaedic methods, without her approval, like everyone else in order to keep a stable society. She learns to worship Ford, throw away her clothes, and take soma whenever she is unhappy; all because of the hypnopaedia, death conditioning, and whatever else they do to those kids.
John is born in the savage reservation under a civilized woman, Linda. Without the huge laboratories and supervisors, he is able to take in a conditioning that is more suitable and natural to us readers. He learns, all voluntarily, of God through the Christian influenced works of Shakespeare. He also learns to accept marriage and love, not only from Shakespeare, but from the Indians he is surrounded by. Because he is outcast from the rest of the Indians, he is able to feel unhappiness, loneliness, and thinks of death and the afterlife.
Altogether, their views utterly differentiate, which causes them to not understand each other. Lenina feels she can jump all over him, get it on, and then move on to another guy. However, John has learned of marriage, love and chastity, so he believes her to be a whore. All that John speaks of when quoting Shakespeare to Lenina is found romantic by most readers, yet she finds it queer.
Their conditioning patterns have allowed them to believe the opposite of each other because the "civilized" and "savages" have different belief systems. The two characters belief systems are based upon those of their societies. In one, they shadow their parents and those around them; yet in the other, they do not get the chance to mimic others... damn hypnopaedia.
If that's not enough for you, I'd be happy to talk more about it with you at some other time... I'm tired of typing... and I'm missing my shows...
Until next time... have a good one... I'll catch you on the flip-flop... Later
Everyone seems to be disgusted with how the people of the BNW "civilized" society are conditioned. Really, the only reason for this is because we have also been 'conditioned,' for we have been taught a sense of morality and common sense by our parents/guardians and the rest of society. It's just that our common sense and whatnot is different than that of the "civilized" in BNW, but rather closer to those of the "savages." With this, we draw a much deeper connection with John rather than Lenina.
Lenina is a civilized Beta who was conditioned through hypnopaedic methods, without her approval, like everyone else in order to keep a stable society. She learns to worship Ford, throw away her clothes, and take soma whenever she is unhappy; all because of the hypnopaedia, death conditioning, and whatever else they do to those kids.
John is born in the savage reservation under a civilized woman, Linda. Without the huge laboratories and supervisors, he is able to take in a conditioning that is more suitable and natural to us readers. He learns, all voluntarily, of God through the Christian influenced works of Shakespeare. He also learns to accept marriage and love, not only from Shakespeare, but from the Indians he is surrounded by. Because he is outcast from the rest of the Indians, he is able to feel unhappiness, loneliness, and thinks of death and the afterlife.
Altogether, their views utterly differentiate, which causes them to not understand each other. Lenina feels she can jump all over him, get it on, and then move on to another guy. However, John has learned of marriage, love and chastity, so he believes her to be a whore. All that John speaks of when quoting Shakespeare to Lenina is found romantic by most readers, yet she finds it queer.
Their conditioning patterns have allowed them to believe the opposite of each other because the "civilized" and "savages" have different belief systems. The two characters belief systems are based upon those of their societies. In one, they shadow their parents and those around them; yet in the other, they do not get the chance to mimic others... damn hypnopaedia.
If that's not enough for you, I'd be happy to talk more about it with you at some other time... I'm tired of typing... and I'm missing my shows...
Until next time... have a good one... I'll catch you on the flip-flop... Later
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Brave New Shit
I am terribly sorry if the title of this passage offends you, but this book offends me... or something.
Both Brave New World and Thomas More's Utopia attempt to explain different views of a futuristic society. One being a more "perfect" society where everything is owned by everyone, except for people, and they all are able to explore several different careers in a world of harmonic yet monotonous work. If perfect equals boring, then yes, this is a "perfect" society. Brave New World tries to show a distopic view of society where everything is run by science and controlled by... well, appropriately located world controllers. These guys help to create the world around them and set the futures of each individual/clone that comes out of their laboratory. The great thing is, you can get drugged up to go on crazy-ass vacations, diseases are non-existent, at least after decantation, everyone is happy, and the world's economy is stable. Problems with this society are the brainwashed, zombie citizens, where there is no way in Ford that you can move up in society, nor gain any greater knowledge to help you achieve those positions. History, literature, arts, and music have been terminated or replaced by the world controllers in order to keep the citizens under their control and not allow them to think outside of what they are already told.
Both Brave New World and Thomas More's Utopia attempt to explain different views of a futuristic society. One being a more "perfect" society where everything is owned by everyone, except for people, and they all are able to explore several different careers in a world of harmonic yet monotonous work. If perfect equals boring, then yes, this is a "perfect" society. Brave New World tries to show a distopic view of society where everything is run by science and controlled by... well, appropriately located world controllers. These guys help to create the world around them and set the futures of each individual/clone that comes out of their laboratory. The great thing is, you can get drugged up to go on crazy-ass vacations, diseases are non-existent, at least after decantation, everyone is happy, and the world's economy is stable. Problems with this society are the brainwashed, zombie citizens, where there is no way in Ford that you can move up in society, nor gain any greater knowledge to help you achieve those positions. History, literature, arts, and music have been terminated or replaced by the world controllers in order to keep the citizens under their control and not allow them to think outside of what they are already told.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Utopia: Book 3
This is probably the greatest blog in the history of our class! April Fools! Hope you all had a good one... I certainly did!
...then again, I did not get to read about the bird, knight and turtle... who won the race? (Are you lost? then forget it, or you can refer to my previous Utopia notes) Also, I'm not making any sense these days, but Thomas More does. At least, I made sense of what he said, or completely misinterpreted it but still wrote it down. In this third and final installment of my interpretation and evaluation of Utopia, I will once again change the format of my information. Just roll with me kids... it's not like you're actually reading this, are you?
Take a deep breath... it's a long ways down there...
Here we go...
Oh, and you can breathe regularly now... thank you...
Page 41 - To become a slave, either you are in debt to society or have committed a crime.
Disagree - I do not like the fact that Utopia has slaves, even if they help society. Although this is probably better than how our forefathers treated their slaves. Slaves are bad m'kay...
Page 42 - The poor of other countries offer themselves as slaves and are treated better than the other slaves.
Semi-agree - I like how they allow others to take refuge in Utopia, help with the labour and are treated better than criminals, but that'd cause overpopulation and other problems that we see with immigration today.
Page 42 - Do everything to make the sick happy, even if you have to kill them *(as in put them out of their misery)*
Agree - The sick and suffering should be treated with the utmost respect. Their god wants them to be happy, and for some, death will make them happier than they already are. Deal with it.
Page 42 - Women cannot marry until 18; Men until 22
Disagree - That's bullshit! There should never be an age limit set for marriage no matter how wise they are. Love hits people at different ages; people gotta understand.
Page 42 - Premarital sex = no marriage
Semi-Disagree - Premarital sex is a no-no, but having that result in no marriage at all is too harsh of a punishment.
Page 43 - No divorces or polygamy; divorces only for those imposed with adultery or insufferable perverseness (then the Senate steps up to bat)
Ehh...Even? - People should have the choice of marrying the right person, and since you cannot go back in time (yet), might as well get a divorce and find love elsewhere. Polygamy and adultery is bad, m'kay.
Page 44 - High crimes result in enslavement; if they rebel death falls upon them.
Iffy-Agree - Enslavement is not good, but for the terms of Utopia, I like how they have them labouring for the better of the society and then put to death if they commit another crime. It reminds me of community service, but instead of more time, you die for your mistakes.
Page 44 - Marriage choices are made be men and the two are presented naked to each other.
Ehh...Even? - Everything's there, no hidden surprises. Men shouldn't just go out and judge women and choose them for their looks.
Page 44 - Most men choose wives for obedience, not looks.
Disagree - Love is the factor of marriage, not looks or obedience.
Page 45 - No tricky lawyers; plead your own cause.
Agree - If your in deep shit and can't get out, good luck. Plead the truth. 'nough said.
Page 45 - No alliances, just friends and neighbors.
Iffy-Agree - Your not caught in a war just because your some country's ally, but you still have your support of your friends and neighbors.
Page 46 - Utopians detest war, but everyone trains up, just-in-case.
Agree - It's a great way to be prepared, like the National Guard (All friends = no enemies = no fighting = no need for soldiers)
Page 47 - If someone of neighboring countries injure or kill any Utopians, then the offenders must be condemned to slavery or death; if not, 'tis war
Iffy-Disagree - Eye-for-an-eye isn't always the best policy, but not going to war is a great deal. This sounds alot like the war on terrorism. We're trying to find this one guy, but we're caught fighting some stupid battles over in no-man's-land.
Page 48 - Instead of having a long war, they would rather terminate those in charge of the attacks and put someone better at the ranks.
Ehh...Even? - No wars is sweet, but killing isn't awesome. It sounds like the U.S. trying to moderate the world; putting the powers we want in command of the countries.
Page 50 - Rather let enemies flea than pursue, as well as hold them captive than kill instantly.
Agree - Violence is not the answer.
Page 51 - Do not burn or terrorize the towns when captured during battle. Instead, keep it under the kind, Utopian rule and use their resources.
Agree - Sounds better than destroying it. Make the most of it.
Page 52 - Let everyone worship who or what they want.
Agree - Don't be dissin' my beliefs dawg!
Page 55 - Marriage is the best path of life. Being single has a hurtful life and is discouraged, unless it's for religion; then it's cool.
Disagree - Let the peeps decide what they want to do with their life. Get of their backs, homes...
Page 55 - Children are to be produced for the better of the country.
Disagree - Baby-making is to kindle new life, not for more labourers.
Page 57 - Temples have no pictures of God so that everyone may see him/her/them as they wish.
Agree - The temple allows everyone of different religions to meet. It also lets them have their own image of their diety. Yay individuality!
Page 58 - No sacrifice, just incense and candles
Agree - Great stuff Tommy. Sacrificing people all the time ain't a great thing to do. Incense elevates the sould into a spiritual realm.
Whew!... that's all for now kids. Hope you enjoyed reading... doubtful. Which format you like best?... You don't have to comment... only you can decide that... Hooray free will!
...then again, I did not get to read about the bird, knight and turtle... who won the race? (Are you lost? then forget it, or you can refer to my previous Utopia notes) Also, I'm not making any sense these days, but Thomas More does. At least, I made sense of what he said, or completely misinterpreted it but still wrote it down. In this third and final installment of my interpretation and evaluation of Utopia, I will once again change the format of my information. Just roll with me kids... it's not like you're actually reading this, are you?
Take a deep breath... it's a long ways down there...
Here we go...
Oh, and you can breathe regularly now... thank you...
Page 41 - To become a slave, either you are in debt to society or have committed a crime.
Disagree - I do not like the fact that Utopia has slaves, even if they help society. Although this is probably better than how our forefathers treated their slaves. Slaves are bad m'kay...
Page 42 - The poor of other countries offer themselves as slaves and are treated better than the other slaves.
Semi-agree - I like how they allow others to take refuge in Utopia, help with the labour and are treated better than criminals, but that'd cause overpopulation and other problems that we see with immigration today.
Page 42 - Do everything to make the sick happy, even if you have to kill them *(as in put them out of their misery)*
Agree - The sick and suffering should be treated with the utmost respect. Their god wants them to be happy, and for some, death will make them happier than they already are. Deal with it.
Page 42 - Women cannot marry until 18; Men until 22
Disagree - That's bullshit! There should never be an age limit set for marriage no matter how wise they are. Love hits people at different ages; people gotta understand.
Page 42 - Premarital sex = no marriage
Semi-Disagree - Premarital sex is a no-no, but having that result in no marriage at all is too harsh of a punishment.
Page 43 - No divorces or polygamy; divorces only for those imposed with adultery or insufferable perverseness (then the Senate steps up to bat)
Ehh...Even? - People should have the choice of marrying the right person, and since you cannot go back in time (yet), might as well get a divorce and find love elsewhere. Polygamy and adultery is bad, m'kay.
Page 44 - High crimes result in enslavement; if they rebel death falls upon them.
Iffy-Agree - Enslavement is not good, but for the terms of Utopia, I like how they have them labouring for the better of the society and then put to death if they commit another crime. It reminds me of community service, but instead of more time, you die for your mistakes.
Page 44 - Marriage choices are made be men and the two are presented naked to each other.
Ehh...Even? - Everything's there, no hidden surprises. Men shouldn't just go out and judge women and choose them for their looks.
Page 44 - Most men choose wives for obedience, not looks.
Disagree - Love is the factor of marriage, not looks or obedience.
Page 45 - No tricky lawyers; plead your own cause.
Agree - If your in deep shit and can't get out, good luck. Plead the truth. 'nough said.
Page 45 - No alliances, just friends and neighbors.
Iffy-Agree - Your not caught in a war just because your some country's ally, but you still have your support of your friends and neighbors.
Page 46 - Utopians detest war, but everyone trains up, just-in-case.
Agree - It's a great way to be prepared, like the National Guard (All friends = no enemies = no fighting = no need for soldiers)
Page 47 - If someone of neighboring countries injure or kill any Utopians, then the offenders must be condemned to slavery or death; if not, 'tis war
Iffy-Disagree - Eye-for-an-eye isn't always the best policy, but not going to war is a great deal. This sounds alot like the war on terrorism. We're trying to find this one guy, but we're caught fighting some stupid battles over in no-man's-land.
Page 48 - Instead of having a long war, they would rather terminate those in charge of the attacks and put someone better at the ranks.
Ehh...Even? - No wars is sweet, but killing isn't awesome. It sounds like the U.S. trying to moderate the world; putting the powers we want in command of the countries.
Page 50 - Rather let enemies flea than pursue, as well as hold them captive than kill instantly.
Agree - Violence is not the answer.
Page 51 - Do not burn or terrorize the towns when captured during battle. Instead, keep it under the kind, Utopian rule and use their resources.
Agree - Sounds better than destroying it. Make the most of it.
Page 52 - Let everyone worship who or what they want.
Agree - Don't be dissin' my beliefs dawg!
Page 55 - Marriage is the best path of life. Being single has a hurtful life and is discouraged, unless it's for religion; then it's cool.
Disagree - Let the peeps decide what they want to do with their life. Get of their backs, homes...
Page 55 - Children are to be produced for the better of the country.
Disagree - Baby-making is to kindle new life, not for more labourers.
Page 57 - Temples have no pictures of God so that everyone may see him/her/them as they wish.
Agree - The temple allows everyone of different religions to meet. It also lets them have their own image of their diety. Yay individuality!
Page 58 - No sacrifice, just incense and candles
Agree - Great stuff Tommy. Sacrificing people all the time ain't a great thing to do. Incense elevates the sould into a spiritual realm.
Whew!... that's all for now kids. Hope you enjoyed reading... doubtful. Which format you like best?... You don't have to comment... only you can decide that... Hooray free will!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Utopia: Book 2
Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to see the good ol' Ninja Turtle Raphael nor the gallant knight Thomas (confused?.. refer to the Note in Book 1's post). Instead I got stuck with this putrid description that stretched for miles of a delicious, crescent-shaped island called Utopia. Putrid as in 'nasty,' in the good way... like "Whoa! That was one nasty touchdown, kids!... just roll with me dawg. This island is freaking huge, and the imagery is just down right amazing. More had literally outdone himself when describing this island, because I wanted to stop reading... and jump right on into the setting myself! Then again, there were some problems with it. Let us go ahead and analyze this baby with a hefty, detailed passage and then follow up with a similar paragraph reacting to the former. Get excited now, because here we go!...
The Passage
During the well-developed passage that describes the scenic island of Utopia, with its fifty-four large and well built cities, More explains that it was Utopus that conquered it (formerly Abraxa) and brought the rude and uncivilized inhabitants into a good government and politeness. He also ordered a deep channel to be dug fifteen miles long in order to separate them from the continent. So the natives would not think they were his slaves, he had his soldiers help with the labor.
All the cities are relatively close to one another and once a year, each city sends three of its wisest Senators to Amaurot, the chief city, to consult their common concerns and the ways to go about them. No country family has fewer than forty men and women in it, besides two slaves. There's a master and a mistress set over every family; and over thirty families there is a magistrate; over ten magistrates there is another magistrate. The magistrates choose a Prince from a list of four fitting candidates; the Prince is in store for life. There is also a Supreme Council.
The people of Utopia are always to remain working unless sleeping. They are often out and about cultivating or running the trade. Although they do have free time, they cannot remain idle and must be doing something for the better of Utopia. Women are considered weaker of the two sexes, thus the ruder jobs are given to the males. Each family must be between ten and sixteen members. Each city cannot exceed six-thousand families, besides those of the country around it. The girls of the family marry out into the country, whereas the men stay with the family for all of there life. Wives serve their husbands, and children their parents, and always the younger serves the elder. Every ten years the families change houses; it's like musical chairs, but everyone gets a chair. There is no currency here, nor property rights, so you can take what is needed and walk into someone's home as if it were your own. Whenever an individual wants to break free and travel the country and have aquired the appropriate documents, they are free to roam. They take only a wagon and a slave, who drives the oxen and looks after them, yet they carry no provisions. If they wish to stay in another home, they must not be idle, thus working for the home and obeying by their rules.
They have a logical exporting of their surplus goods to the poor of other countries, except the view iron as a much greater commodity than gold and silver. They use gold and silver to make chamber-pots and close-stools, but also chains and fetters for their slaves, as a badge of infamy. Thus, anyone who wears these metals are discouraged.
As for religious views, they believe that the soul of man is immortal and that God of his goodness has designed that it should be happy and rewards for good virtuous actions, and punishments for vice, to be distributed after this life. Happiness is found in pleasure, and lesser pleasure might not stand in the way of a greater.
The Reaction
Alrighty... now that that's out of the way, we can get to being repulsed/delighted. Utopus conquering the island sounds alot like the foundation of America, and that can even tie into the whole slave thing. I do not like that they had slaves, but I'm kinda glad they got to work with gold and silver chains.. all pimped out and whatnot. These people were pretty advanced with all their thought processes. I mean, they held their records of the island's history and have a Senate, Supreme Council, and several cities that are under the jurisdiction of the chief city; like a capitol of a state. The problem here is that it gives a good ol' communistic feeling to the whole "Utopian society." It's just not 'free' enough because everyone has to be working; no one is ever idle, or else they became slaves. Most of my life is being spent idle, like right now. Their work is just monotonous, wearing crappy clothing all over the place, reporting to someone higher than them and laboring for the better of their society. It does not seem like anything bad can go on there, which would get really boring. Even if they aren't idle, they gotta be bored! I mean, the government controls how many families are in each city as well as how many children they can have. Now what's this about women being weak? I know plenty of girls that can kick some ass. If I were them, I'd get a passport and have my slave drive us and the wagon off that great cliff in the beginning and onto the sharp, pointy rocks. They have to be freaking insane to live in such a world that is perfect. "Utopia" my ass!
The Passage
During the well-developed passage that describes the scenic island of Utopia, with its fifty-four large and well built cities, More explains that it was Utopus that conquered it (formerly Abraxa) and brought the rude and uncivilized inhabitants into a good government and politeness. He also ordered a deep channel to be dug fifteen miles long in order to separate them from the continent. So the natives would not think they were his slaves, he had his soldiers help with the labor.
All the cities are relatively close to one another and once a year, each city sends three of its wisest Senators to Amaurot, the chief city, to consult their common concerns and the ways to go about them. No country family has fewer than forty men and women in it, besides two slaves. There's a master and a mistress set over every family; and over thirty families there is a magistrate; over ten magistrates there is another magistrate. The magistrates choose a Prince from a list of four fitting candidates; the Prince is in store for life. There is also a Supreme Council.
The people of Utopia are always to remain working unless sleeping. They are often out and about cultivating or running the trade. Although they do have free time, they cannot remain idle and must be doing something for the better of Utopia. Women are considered weaker of the two sexes, thus the ruder jobs are given to the males. Each family must be between ten and sixteen members. Each city cannot exceed six-thousand families, besides those of the country around it. The girls of the family marry out into the country, whereas the men stay with the family for all of there life. Wives serve their husbands, and children their parents, and always the younger serves the elder. Every ten years the families change houses; it's like musical chairs, but everyone gets a chair. There is no currency here, nor property rights, so you can take what is needed and walk into someone's home as if it were your own. Whenever an individual wants to break free and travel the country and have aquired the appropriate documents, they are free to roam. They take only a wagon and a slave, who drives the oxen and looks after them, yet they carry no provisions. If they wish to stay in another home, they must not be idle, thus working for the home and obeying by their rules.
They have a logical exporting of their surplus goods to the poor of other countries, except the view iron as a much greater commodity than gold and silver. They use gold and silver to make chamber-pots and close-stools, but also chains and fetters for their slaves, as a badge of infamy. Thus, anyone who wears these metals are discouraged.
As for religious views, they believe that the soul of man is immortal and that God of his goodness has designed that it should be happy and rewards for good virtuous actions, and punishments for vice, to be distributed after this life. Happiness is found in pleasure, and lesser pleasure might not stand in the way of a greater.
The Reaction
Alrighty... now that that's out of the way, we can get to being repulsed/delighted. Utopus conquering the island sounds alot like the foundation of America, and that can even tie into the whole slave thing. I do not like that they had slaves, but I'm kinda glad they got to work with gold and silver chains.. all pimped out and whatnot. These people were pretty advanced with all their thought processes. I mean, they held their records of the island's history and have a Senate, Supreme Council, and several cities that are under the jurisdiction of the chief city; like a capitol of a state. The problem here is that it gives a good ol' communistic feeling to the whole "Utopian society." It's just not 'free' enough because everyone has to be working; no one is ever idle, or else they became slaves. Most of my life is being spent idle, like right now. Their work is just monotonous, wearing crappy clothing all over the place, reporting to someone higher than them and laboring for the better of their society. It does not seem like anything bad can go on there, which would get really boring. Even if they aren't idle, they gotta be bored! I mean, the government controls how many families are in each city as well as how many children they can have. Now what's this about women being weak? I know plenty of girls that can kick some ass. If I were them, I'd get a passport and have my slave drive us and the wagon off that great cliff in the beginning and onto the sharp, pointy rocks. They have to be freaking insane to live in such a world that is perfect. "Utopia" my ass!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Utopia: Book 1
Disclaimer: This marks the beginning of my horrible interpretation/analysis of utopia, therefore I apologize for what you are about to read... that is, if you choose to do so, for it is your choice. There is still enough time for you to get out...
4....3....2....1... Too Late!
Note: In order for me to actually get through the assigned passages, I made myself to believe that Sir Thomas More was a dashing knight on top of his stunning paladin with his lance in hand and Raphael was actually a Traveling Mutant Ninja Turtle. Together they fight dragons and rescue lovely damsels in distress and the conversation they have takes place during their quest. I suppose the Cardinal is just some red bird flying around annoying the two heroes. Anyways... on to what really matters!
1. It all begins, at least for me, on page 3. 'Twas a new scene to More, for Raphael described it as the air less burning, mild weather, fertile soil, the beasts were less wild, and the nations, towns and cities traded not only mutual commerce, but by land and sea in far off, remote areas. They went anywhere and everywhere that they were welcome.
- A world like this sounds alot like America, except now we seem to be gaining more enemies rather than friends.
2. Peter seems to be confused as to why Raphael has traveled to several different kingdoms, yet he does not enter in to king's service. Raphael states that he does not want to enslave himself to a king, for he has moved freely to nations in order to pay his friends what they deserved.
- Being free feels rather amazing but limiting yourself to serving only a government is not a life for me. The choice to serve it is endowed withing this freedom, therefore I'm somewhat wishy-washy with this theory.
3. Thieves receive the same punishments as murderers. Idle noblemen are just like tieves, for they dwell in the wealth of their lord. Once the lord has past, nobility goes down the drain and no one wants to associate with them.
- Thievery should require a less harsh of a judgement than death, for they could bring actual benefit to the world with the proper help (rehabilitation). This could also open up new jobs to the economy. Yay productive economy!
4. There is constant expansion of pastures while kicking the inhabitants further and further away, or else terminating them. The peoples are often tricked into losing their possessions and money, so they must result to thievery or begging.
- It's an ugly world out there and its rank breath keeps irritating me. Usually they are to be thrown in jail for thievery, yet no one will hire a miserable peasant.
5. Punishment for thieves among the Polylerits was for them to make restitution to the owner for the amount of their stolen goods Their possessions are left to their family while they remain free as they work as a community servant. If they are found idle, they are whipped or chained.
- This policy is great for building character. The thief has time to think about what they have done and receive labor experience, yet I would probably change the punishment for the idle. Being whipped does not seem too humane... or does it?
6. The friends and family of thieves may give them meat, drink, and clothes of the proper color, but if money is exchanged, death is to be dealt to both the giver and taker. The (so called) slaves cannot handle arms or money. If anyone helps to spot criminals, they are rewarded; for freemen: money; for slaves: liberty.
- This theory is great because the "slave" has nothing to steal. If they attempt to do something outrageous, they receive the death sentence, but they knew it was coming. Deal with the consequences foo'!
7. Judges are to be made sure that they may declare always in favor of the Prince, or whichever argument please the King. Those who oppose the local appraisal "A prince can never have too many treasures," will become an outcast within the society.
- This shows a corrupt court system, for there are no checks and balances. The King/Prince are believed to be above the law, which is outright wrong. (haha... right and wrong are next to each other)
After reacting to what I read, I realize how much my opinions are based upon the structures within the United States. Although it seems common sense too most, there are still different ways of achieving certain goals.
4....3....2....1... Too Late!
Note: In order for me to actually get through the assigned passages, I made myself to believe that Sir Thomas More was a dashing knight on top of his stunning paladin with his lance in hand and Raphael was actually a Traveling Mutant Ninja Turtle. Together they fight dragons and rescue lovely damsels in distress and the conversation they have takes place during their quest. I suppose the Cardinal is just some red bird flying around annoying the two heroes. Anyways... on to what really matters!
1. It all begins, at least for me, on page 3. 'Twas a new scene to More, for Raphael described it as the air less burning, mild weather, fertile soil, the beasts were less wild, and the nations, towns and cities traded not only mutual commerce, but by land and sea in far off, remote areas. They went anywhere and everywhere that they were welcome.
- A world like this sounds alot like America, except now we seem to be gaining more enemies rather than friends.
2. Peter seems to be confused as to why Raphael has traveled to several different kingdoms, yet he does not enter in to king's service. Raphael states that he does not want to enslave himself to a king, for he has moved freely to nations in order to pay his friends what they deserved.
- Being free feels rather amazing but limiting yourself to serving only a government is not a life for me. The choice to serve it is endowed withing this freedom, therefore I'm somewhat wishy-washy with this theory.
3. Thieves receive the same punishments as murderers. Idle noblemen are just like tieves, for they dwell in the wealth of their lord. Once the lord has past, nobility goes down the drain and no one wants to associate with them.
- Thievery should require a less harsh of a judgement than death, for they could bring actual benefit to the world with the proper help (rehabilitation). This could also open up new jobs to the economy. Yay productive economy!
4. There is constant expansion of pastures while kicking the inhabitants further and further away, or else terminating them. The peoples are often tricked into losing their possessions and money, so they must result to thievery or begging.
- It's an ugly world out there and its rank breath keeps irritating me. Usually they are to be thrown in jail for thievery, yet no one will hire a miserable peasant.
5. Punishment for thieves among the Polylerits was for them to make restitution to the owner for the amount of their stolen goods Their possessions are left to their family while they remain free as they work as a community servant. If they are found idle, they are whipped or chained.
- This policy is great for building character. The thief has time to think about what they have done and receive labor experience, yet I would probably change the punishment for the idle. Being whipped does not seem too humane... or does it?
6. The friends and family of thieves may give them meat, drink, and clothes of the proper color, but if money is exchanged, death is to be dealt to both the giver and taker. The (so called) slaves cannot handle arms or money. If anyone helps to spot criminals, they are rewarded; for freemen: money; for slaves: liberty.
- This theory is great because the "slave" has nothing to steal. If they attempt to do something outrageous, they receive the death sentence, but they knew it was coming. Deal with the consequences foo'!
7. Judges are to be made sure that they may declare always in favor of the Prince, or whichever argument please the King. Those who oppose the local appraisal "A prince can never have too many treasures," will become an outcast within the society.
- This shows a corrupt court system, for there are no checks and balances. The King/Prince are believed to be above the law, which is outright wrong. (haha... right and wrong are next to each other)
After reacting to what I read, I realize how much my opinions are based upon the structures within the United States. Although it seems common sense too most, there are still different ways of achieving certain goals.
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